After working 13 years in the private social services, I got a chance to take a 8-month long break from work. This so called 'job alternation' gives an old work horse like me a chance for a long (3-12 months) extra holiday, meanwhile my employer hires an unemployed person to do my job. I will be paid around a half of my current net salary, the system is state run, it doesn't cost anything to the employer. The employer just have to take me back after my sabbatical in Jan 2010.

I think this is a clever system, the idea is to keep the long served employees in fit and give unemployed people new work opportunities. I will complain my taxes never again!

I have to say I needed this break badly, been quite tired lately. It means less money and I need savings but I am sure it's worth of it. I will be traveling after the summer, probably will make a longer trip in SE Asia, my favorite destination. It seems I'll spend the summer in Finland, will just make a weekend trip to Stockholm soon. I decided not to plan too much, I just want to enjoy all this new freedom.

I have been in Thailand often, that's where the Nordics like to escape the winter, also visited Singapore and Hong Kong. Would like to go to Malaysia next, Vietnam sounds cool too.

Quoting JFK69 (Reply 2):Is the United States the only country in the world where us poor suckers work our asses off for nothing?

State run sabbatical.....No wonder why you all live to be 100

Our system means that about everything is more taxed here than in US, thats how they get the money for these benefits, free colleges and such. I guess if I was better paid I would live more comfortable life in US.

Quoting Fr8Mech (Reply 4):what happens to the guy who is doing your job when you get back?

It's a 8-month contract for him but of course it's easier the find a new job with more work experience. The recession hasn't hit the social & health services too bad yet in Helsinki, so there should be free jobs available.

Quoting RGElectra80 (Reply 9):Do you think you will get bored of not doing anything for 8 months?

That will be interesting to see, I think no problem to be lazy in summer at least. And planning to travel after the summer, a month or two in (affordable) SE Asia probably, no change to get bored there.

Quoting Andaman (Reply 3):Thanks! Yes I will have lot of time for the "Would you hit it" - and it's free fun

Good cause I enjoy your contributions to the thread quite a bit!

Quoting Andaman (Reply 3):I have been in Thailand often, that's where the Nordics like to escape the winter, also visited Singapore and Hong Kong. Would like to go to Malaysia next, Vietnam sounds cool too.

You got a leg up on me. The last several years I've been focused on Europe when I go on vacation so now it's SE Asia's turn (though coming from Puerto Rico I imagine it looking the same tropical landscape just different people and awesome food!).

Quoting B747forever (Reply 7):Well I am sure it will be tough for you to wake up the first morning when your job begins again, after 8months of no alarm clock waking you up to reality

I was thinking about that too! I honestly can't imagine life without work, even if I won the lotto or found my lost rich uncle I'd still do something, even if unpaid, just to keep me busy. Though depending on how much money I win/inherit I'd also like to "invest" in a Formula 1 team like Brawn or Red Bull. Free admission to the races!